Guns, crossbows, pistols, rifles, swords and knives can be dangerous, lethal weapons. There was a time when shooting, hunting, and blood sports were acceptable and “fun”. Sadly, times have changed. Even though gun ownership is a right and hunting is legal, we may not have these privileges in the future. Everyone does not need or deserve a weapon or firearm.

This topic can be controversial and upsetting to readers. Please contribute positive ideas, suggestions, and responses to encourage SAFE outcomes. 

When I got my first gun at age 18, my dad told me that if I abused the rules, laws, or safety of the shotgun, I would lose my privileges, and the gun would be wrapped around a tree. “You can’t put a fired bullet back into the gun. You are responsible for where the gun is pointed, always.”

Every time there is another school shooting, a poaching of game, murder with weapons, or safety concern, weapons will gather more negative attention. Weapons are scary to those that have never learned how to use them and understand the responsibility that comes with gun/weapon ownership. Ultimately, a person makes the choice to use the weapon/tool for harm rather than good. 

Parents are now being held accountable for weapons incidents caused by their kids. Gun manufacturers are being sued for making weapons. The public knee jerk reaction is to eliminate all weapons. 

There are more laws regulating guns and weapons than any other legal concern in the USA. Different states, cities, and areas pick and choose what laws they want to ignore or enforce. 

Smart, Modern Weapon Ownership Tips

Keep weapons in a locked gun safe. Home/property protection weapons need to be unloaded. Keep the clips or shells separate but available to those trained to load and use them. Loading takes a few moments, but this time will also help identify the threat. Kids and others do not need to know the combination until they can prove that they are responsible. Cable locks are effective deterrents. Guns and weapons on display offer an invitation to being available for the wrong reasons. 

Keep the ammo/shafts/bolts separate from the weapons. A gun is just a hammer, without bullets. Weapons that are rarely used do not need to be loaded or have ammo stored with them. If you insist on a loaded weapon, keep it in a locked box that can be accessed if needed. Consider every gun is loaded until verified.

If you can legally conceal/carry a weapon, get the training required and refresh your skills often. You carry weapon is your responsibility.

Keep all weapons away from kids. Only allow supervised access and use. The responsible age is 18. This is when kids can join the military and can be trained to be responsible. If your kids have not earned responsibility, and had safety training, then prevent access. Kids with disruptive or bullying issues should not have access to weapons. Weapon use/respect must be earned. 

Shooting safety and accuracy are perishable skills. Practice shooting and retrieving secured weapons. Always reinforce safety rules and practices.

Security officers/ staff, that are trained, offer a deterrent for school, church, and shootings in public places. No Gun Zones just advertises vulnerability. Illegal shooters are fearful of others shooting back. A trained teacher/ staff can save kids’ lives and their own. If they have the clarity to use their body as a human shield, they can be trained to shoot back and illuminate the threat.

The days of taking shotguns and rifles to school, on a pickup truck gunrack, are over. These weapons become available to the wrong people. Violent video games and movies invite and encourage violent behavior. 

Monitor what your kids are watching. There are many more positive ways to respond to negative issues. Cellphones/ computers also encourage and invite violent behavior. Many kids use these phones to bully and encourage violence. Paintball guns and nerf guns invite kids to target/shoot at other people or pets. When shooting becomes a game, accidents happen. Parents must be monitoring all these technological issues.

Accidents are deadly. Most accidents are preventable. Plan for the worst scenario and hope for the best. We can’t control weapon safety around the world, but we can be responsible and smart in our homes, camps, and local communities, 

Be Safe, Secure, and Smart with our Shooting Tools and weapons. 

Montana Grant